An Exclusive Small Group Tour for Alumni and Friends of the University of Washington 13 days for $5,957 total price from Seattle ($5,695 air & land inclusive plus $262 airline taxes and fees) INSIDER’S JAPAN April 21-May 3, 2018 This tour is provided by Odysseys Unlimited, six-time honoree Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operators award.
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INSIDER’S JAPAN · housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries. This afternoon is free for independent exploration; lunch and dinner
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An Exclusive Small Group Tour for Alumni and Friends of the University of Washington
13 days for $5,957 total price from Seattle($5,695 air & land inclusive plus $262 airline taxes and fees)
INSIDER’S JAPANApril 21-May 3, 2018
This tour is provided by Odysseys Unlimited,
six-time honoree Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operators award.
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Tokyo, Japan
Day 2: Arrive Tokyo Upon arrival in Japan’s financial, commercial, and political capital, we transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary, we have no scheduled activities or meals planned.
Day 3: Tokyo After a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover a small part of this amazing city that covers a staggering 840 miles. Our sightseeing features the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful enclave of Shinto temples and gardens. We also visit the gallery of pre- eminent calligrapher Koshun Masunaga, where we learn about this ancient art of artistic writing and browse the collection. Our tour ends in Ginza, Tokyo’s famed shopping, dining, and entertainment district, where we can stay to explore as we wish or return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. B,D
Day 4: Tokyo Our tour of Tokyo continues this morning at the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and ramparts and home of the Imperial Family. Here we visit the East Gardens, part of the innermost circle of defense of the historic Edo Castle that once stood here. We continue on to the Buddhist Asakusa Kan-non, Tokyo’s oldest temple (c. 645 ce), and the adja- cent Nakamise shopping arcade, dating to the 17th century. Last, we visit the Tokyo National Museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries. This afternoon is free for independent exploration; lunch and dinner are on our own in this city with endless dining options. B
Day 5: Tokyo/Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park/Hakone Japan’s pastoral side is on tap as we leave Tokyo for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Here sits imposing Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano (it last erupted in 1707) with a perfectly symmetrical cone that rises to 12,388 feet. The mountain’s majesty is breathtak-ing, as artists and writers have attested for centuries. We take a coach ride where, weather permitting, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views; then we descend for a relaxing cruise on scenic Ashi Lake. Leaving the park, we travel to the town of Hakone where we spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn where we take off our shoes upon entering, enjoy a Japanese- style Kaiseki dinner, and sleep on a futon. B,D
InsIder’s Japan13 days for $5,957 total price from Seattle($5,695 air & land inclusive plus $262 airline taxes and fees)
J apan is at once a nation of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors that for
visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama, Kanazawa, and Nara.
Tour membership limited to 24 alumni and friends of the University of Washington
Cover photo: Considered sacred by the Japanese, “Fuji-san” has drawn artists, poets, and seekers for centuries.
Tokyo touring, including Imperial Palace District, Meiji Shrine, and Tokyo National Museum • Calligraphy demonstration • Stunning scenery of Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park • Overnight stay in traditional ryokan • Takayama’s ancient streets and houses • Hands- on cooking class • Culturally rich Kanazawa, including a visit to Kenrokuen Garden • Tour of Kyoto, Japan’s cul-tural capital • Excursion to historic Nara • Traditional tea ceremony
Day Itinerary Hotel Rating1 Depart U.S. for Tokyo
2-4 Tokyo Dai-ichi Deluxe Hotel Tokyo
5 Hakone Aura Tachibana Not Rated (ryokan)
6-7 Takayama Hida Hotel First Class Plaza
8-9 Kanazawa Hotel Nikko First Class Kanazawa
10-12 Kyoto ANA Crowne First Class Plaza Kyoto
13 Depart Kyoto for U.S.
Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.
Day 6: Hakone/Takayama Today we travel first by bullet train then by Wide View Hida express train to lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps, considered one of the country’s most attractive towns with its 16th- century castle and old-style buildings. Our explorations center on three narrow streets in the San-machi-suji district where, in feudal times, merchants lived amidst the authentically preserved small inns, teahouses, and sake breweries. This afternoon we attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony here, an historic ritual of form, grace, and spirituality. B,D
Day 7: Takayama We pay an early visit to the river- side Miyagawa Morning Market, a blaze of dazzling colors and foodstuffs. Here we meet a local chef to gather ingredients for the lunch we will prepare to- gether at a nearby site. After enjoying the fruits of our labors, we embark on a walking tour, visiting Takayama Jinya, an historic government house; the local sake brewery; and Takayama’s old town, whose well-preserved buildings and homes date to the Edo Period (1600–1868). B,L
Day 8: Takayama/Shirakawago/Kanazawa We leave Takayama this morning for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri Village. Comprising buildings re located from au-thentic villages nearby that were razed for a dam, the village is also a vibrant community whose residents work together to preserve the unique traditional architecture here known as Gassho style. Late this afternoon we reach the castle town of Kanazawa, an alluring coastal city that survived the ravages of World War II. B,L
Day 9: Kanazawa Today’s tour of this culturally rich city features renowned Kenrokuen Garden, a national landmark whose origins date to 1676. We also see
On Day 9 we visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest traditional gardens.
Ishikawa Gate, the only remaining section of the town’s original castle; Hakukokan, a museum celebrating the art and craft of gold leaf technology; and the Higashi Chayagai teahouse and geisha area. Our last stop is the Nagamachi Samurai district, where the ruling family’s samurai warriors lived. B,D
Your Tour Price Includes
• Rail transportation Kyoto/Hiroshima; Hiroshima/Osaka• 2 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
(First Class) • 3 meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch• Extensive included sightseeing: excursion to Miya-
jima Island and Itsukushima Shrine; Hiroshima tour-ing by local “Hiroden” train; visit to Peace Memorial Park and Museum; Atomic Bomb Dome
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited tour director• Gratuities for dining room servers, hotel porters, and
all drivers
May 3-5, 2018
HirosHima: City of PeaCe
3 days/2 nights for $995 total priceSingle Supplement: $155
Discover the city reborn from the atomic des truction of World War II, a modern and cosmopolitan urban center whose residents
warmly welcome American visitors.
Post-Tour Extension
Day 10: Kyoto We depart this morning by train for Kyoto, formerly Japan’s Imperial Capital and now the country’s cultural and artistic center, with more than 1,600 temples, hundreds of shrines, artful gardens, and historic architecture. Upon arrival, we visit Kinkaku-ji, the beloved lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion set on pillars suspended over the water. Next: Ryoan- ji, a Zen Buddhist temple whose acclaimed dry garden epitomizes the simplicity of Zen meditation. Our last stop is Unrakugama, a workshop specializing in prized Kiyomizu pottery. B,D
Day 11: Kyoto/Nara Today we travel to Nara, Japan’s 8th-century capital renowned for its shrines and temples. We first visit Todaiji, (c. 752 ce), one of the country’s most important temples whose main hall (c. 1692) is the world’s largest wooden building. We also visit historic Kasugataisha, the Shinto shrine and
UNESCO site surrounded by parkland where deer roam free. B
Day 12: Kyoto This morning’s tour reveals more of this city that was spared destruction during World War II. Highlights include Nijo-jo Castle (c. 1603), the extravagant
residence and fortifications of the shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 250 years; and Sanjyusangendo Hall (c. 1266), an important Buddhist temple housing 1,000 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon deity. From here we venture to the Gion district, where the geishas gather. Then the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, we toast our adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B,D
Day 13: Depart Kyoto for U.S. This morning we travel by motorcoach to Osaka, where we board our return flight to the United States. B
Your Tour Price Includes• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities• 11 nights’ accommodations: 10 nights in Deluxe
and First Class hotels; 1 night in traditional Japanese ryokan
• 19 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all
entrance fees• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited tour director• Private motorcoach transportation throughout
your trip• Rail transportation as described• Luggage handling for one bag per person• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers,
airport and hotel porters, and all drivers• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next
UW/Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)
Tour Departs: April 21, 2018Prices include int’l airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees.
Los Angeles, San Francisco $5,657
Portland (OR), Seattle $5,957
Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, $6,157 New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix
Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Cincinnati,
$6,257
Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Washington, DC
Land Only (transfers not included) $4,895
Please call if your city is not listed. Prices are per per-son based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $262, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
Single travelers please add $1,295.
All tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.
Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Pacific flight: $4,395 per person from San Francisco in addition to the above costs (upgrade is subject to availability and pricing is subject to change).
Please note: This trip involves full days of sightsee-ing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical con-dition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
For reservations and information, please call the UW Alumni Tours Office at
1-206-685-9276or toll-free at
1-800-289-2586
We visit Kyoto’s beloved Golden Pavilion on Day 10.
Geishas in Kyoto
Dear UW Alumni and Friends,
Join us on a special 13-day journey to Japan, a land of timeless traditions and dizzying modernity. Here we’ll discover the superb art, remarkable history, exquisite cuisine, and stunning landscapes that have helped make Japan truly a nation of many wonders.
Beginning in Tokyo, we’ll spend two full days exploring Japan’s capital. From Tokyo we’ll travel to Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park to experience the world’s most revered volcano, then continue to Hakone for an overnight stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. We’ll take a bullet train to historic Takayama in the Japanese Alps, where we’ll attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, followed by culturally rich Kanazawa. Our journey concludes with three nights in Kyoto where we’ll visit the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, and explore the ancient capital of Nara. An optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension to Hiroshima, the “City of Peace,” lets us discover a city reborn from World War II’s atomic destruction.
Space on this exclusive UW program is limited to only 24 travelers and will fill quickly. Your early reservations are encouraged.
Sincerely,
Pauline Ranieri Director, UW Alumni Tours
THE UW RESERVATION FORM – INSIDER’S JAPAN
Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______ ($500 per person) for ____ person(s) on Insider’s Japan departing April 21, 2018. I/We understand the final payment is due at least 95 days prior to departure. Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or by personal check. The quickest way to confirm a reservation is by completing the online reservation form found on the tour’s web page at: www.UWalum.com/tours. Please make check payable to Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., and send, along with completed reservation form, to: The UW Alumni Association, Attn: UW Alumni Tours, Box 359508, Seattle, WA 98195-9508. If we can be of any assistance, please call us at 1-206-685-9276, or toll-free at 1-800-289-2586 or email us at [email protected].
Full Passport Name ______________________________________________ Date of Birth___________ Gender ____
Full Passport Name ______________________________________________ Date of Birth___________ Gender ____
Address __________________________________________ City ________________ State ________ ZIP ___________
Home Phone (______)_______________________________ Cell Phone (______)_______________________________
Please book my/our air from ____________________________________ I/We request a Business Class upgrade q
I will share a room with _____________________________________ I request a single room (limited availability) q
Post-Tour “Hiroshima – City of Peace” Extension: Please sign me/us up q
Please Note: The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for Insider’s Japan, April 21-May 3, 2018, and agrees that their signature below represents their acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions.
Signature(s) _________________________________________________________________________ Date __________
Please Note: UWAA Membership: While you do not have to be a UW grad to join this tour, we ask that one person, per reservation, join the UW Alumni Association. Member dues help support our travel program, making these tours possible. For UWAA membership details, please go to www.UWalum.com.
Method of Payment q Check q American Express q Discover q MasterCard q VISA
Account # ______________________________________ Security Code _________ Exp. Date _______________
Name of Cardholder ____________________________________________________________________________
Final invoicing will be sent by our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. The balance of the program price must be paid to Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure, and is payable by check or credit card.
“I feel that the itinerary covered so much more than I thought. The breadth of our experiences more than met my expectations. We saw the old and new,
traveled by several modes of transportation, ate and tasted all kinds of Japanese foods, were exposed to so many interesting things. It was a great tour.”